For over a century, Rotary has committed itself to addressing the needs of communities across the globe. In recognition of this commitment, Rotary honors six projects each year that create change – not only in member communities, but around the world. These projects demonstrate how Rotary members are truly people of action.
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The People of Action: Champions of Impact recognition dinner at the Rotary International Convention in Singapore.
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A breakout session during Rotary Day at the United Nations with the Young Innovators honorees in Nairobi, Kenya.
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2022-23 Rotary International President Jennifer Jones and the Champions of Inclusion honorees visit an exhibit at the Tutu Legacy Foundation Homecoming Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.
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Rotary's People of Action: Champions of Girls Empowerment awardee (right) at the Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas, USA.
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Rotary Day at the United Nations in New York City, New York, USA, where six Rotary members were recognized as Rotary People of Action: Connectors Beyond Borders.
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Rotary Day at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, where six individuals were recognized as Rotary People of Action: Champions of Peace.
Why are the People of Action Honors important?
People of Action Honors are given to Rotary projects that exemplify everything our organization has to offer. Born out of a White House initiative in the United States, the People of Action Honors highlight impactful, sustainable, and scalable projects that are models of service for clubs around the world.
For more than 10 years, the People of Action Honors have brought attention to Rotary projects related to disease prevention, mental health, community development, education, youth empowerment, sustainability, and many more areas of service. The Rotary People of Action honorees represent the standard for the type of change Rotary members create in their communities and across the globe.
Meet the 2025 Champions of Peace
Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick recently recognized six members and alumni as Champions of Peace. This honor celebrates the recipients’ work to build peace around the world. Their ambitious and wide-ranging efforts include teaching technical skills to refugee children and promoting sustainable agriculture. The honorees exemplify Rotary’s values and the dedication it takes to make a lasting impact.
Rotary People of Action honorees in the news and online
Past People of Action Honorees
2023-2024: Champions of Impact
During the 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore, 2023-24 Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally honored six individuals as Rotary People of Action: Champions of Impact. The honorees were distinguished by their leadership over projects that have created positive, collaborative, sustainable, and long-term change.
Watch the Champions of Impact highlight video below.
2022-2023: Champions of Inclusion
2021-2022: Champions of Girls’ Empowerment
2020-2021: Champions of Health
2019-2020: Connectors Beyond Borders
2018-2019: Young Innovators
2017-2018: Champions of Peace
What Is Impact for Rotary?
Rotary members are People of Action who create sustainable change. We work to generate projects that not only positively impact our world but have the capacity to be maintained locally and serve the continuing needs of communities. Want to learn how to maximize your club’s impact? Check out the following resources: